The Book of Everything

Written by Richard Tulloch
Based on the book by Guus Kuijer

Nine year-old Thomas can see things no one else can: tropical fish thriving in the Amsterdam canals, trumpeting sparrows and even a hailstorm of frogs. He also sees the unhappiness of his family, the violence in his father, and the pain that lingers long after the war is over. All this – good and bad – he carefully records in his magical and hopeful Book of Everything.

Regular price $12.00

Quick Details

  • Type: Play
  • Estimated Run Time: 90 minutes | Can be cut for competition
  • Availability: Available for productions in North America
  • Cast Size: 8 roles + optional ensemble

Full Details

Roles:

  • Thomas Klopper, aged 9
  • Margot Klopper, aged 16
  • Eliza with the leather leg, aged 16
  • Mother
  • Father/Bumbiter
  • Mrs. Van Amersfoort
  • Auntie Pie
  • Jesus

The following resources are included in each performance license:
  • Permission to photocopy the PDF script for your production so there is no additional cost for these assets.

The following resources may be added to you license for an additional fee:
  • Logo/Media package

Richard Tulloch

Richard Tulloch is one of Australia's leading writers of books, plays and television for young audiences. He has been the principal writer of the phenomenally successful TV series Bananas in Pajamas, now screened around the world. Other screen writing includes the TV series Magic Mountain and the animated series PETALS, of which he was also the script editor. He wrote the screenplay for the animated feature film, Fern Gully II: The Magical Rescue, and was nominated by ASIFA Hollywood for an ANNIE award in the Best Film and Best Script categories. He recently wrote for Beyond's children series Hoopla Doopla and is currently adapting Randolph Stow's Midnite for film. He has written over thirty plays which have been performed by professional companies throughout Australia and around the world. He has been nominated for Australian Writers' Guild awards seven times and has four times won the award for the best play for children - with Hating Alison Ashley, Talking to Grandma While the World Goes By, Body And Soul and in 2006 with Stella and the Moon Man for Kim Carpenter's Theatre of Image. His puppet theatre piece Twinkle, Twinkle Little Fish was part of the 2003 Sydney Festival before opening on Broadway, New York. Richard has adapted Guus Kuijer's The Book of Everything for the stage, which premiered to rave reviews at Belvoir Street Theatre in 2010, directed by Neil Armfield. The play won the Sydney Theatre Award for Best Production for Children, was nominated for a Sydney Theatre Award for Best New Australian Work, nominated for 2010 AWGIE and 2010 Helpmann Award for Best Play as well as nominated for a Green Room Award. The Book of Everything and was later transferred to the New Victory Theatre in New York to rave reviews. Richard has published over thirty-five children's books in Australia and overseas, many of which have been chosen by the Children's Book Council of Australia for their prestigious Notable Books list. He has directed plays for young people all over Australia and in the USA, UK, Canada, New Zealand, Thailand, France, and the Netherlands.

 

Originally produced by Theatre of Image at Belvior St Upstairs Theatre, Australia in 2010

Winner of the 2015 AATE Distinguished Play Award

Reviews

…this hilarious, honest and beautifully rendered play…is exemplary theatre.

- The Guardian, UK

It’s not quite right to say that “The Book of Everything” is one of the best children’s shows in town. It’s one of the best shows, period…Warm, witty, wise and wonderful.

- New York Post